The Tour de France is the pinnacle of cycling—a grueling three-week race that tests riders’ strength, endurance, and strategy across mountains, time trials, and sprints. Throughout its storied history, only a select few have risen to claim multiple victories, etching their names into the sport’s hall of fame. This article highlights the top 10 cyclists who conquered the Tour, ranking them by the number of overall wins and celebrating their remarkable achievements. From pioneers of the early 20th century to modern-day legends, these riders represent the very best of cycling greatness.
10. Jonas Vingegaard (2 wins)
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Victories in: 2022, 2023. Jonas Vingegaard emerged as one of the most dominant riders of his generation, showcasing extraordinary strength in both the mountains and time trials to secure two consecutive Tour victories.
9. Philippe Thys (3 wins)
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Victories in: 1913, 1914, 1920. Philippe Thys, a pioneer of the early Tour de France, achieved his victories during a time when the race was as much about endurance as skill. His ability to win across different eras solidified his place in cycling history.
Victories in: 1953, 1954, 1955. Louison Bobet made history as the first rider to win three consecutive Tours. His remarkable consistency and all-around capability redefined what it meant to be a champion during the 1950s.
Victories in: 1986, 1989, 1990. Greg LeMond brought innovation to the sport, including the use of aerobars, which revolutionized time-trialing. As the first American winner, his tactical genius and resilience inspired generations of cyclists.
6. Tadej Pogačar (3 wins)
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Victories in: 2020, 2021, 2024. Tadej Pogačar redefined dominance in modern cycling with his versatility and attacking spirit. His ability to win both in the mountains and in time trials has made him one of the most exciting riders of his era.
5. Chris Froome (4 wins)
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Victories in: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017. Chris Froome led Team Sky through an unprecedented era of success, demonstrating unmatched consistency and tactical intelligence. His dominance in the high mountains and time trials secured him four Tour titles.
4. Miguel Induráin (5 wins)
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Victories in: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995. Miguel Induráin became the first rider to win five consecutive Tours, dominating through his unmatched time-trial ability and composed racing style. His streak remains one of the most remarkable achievements in the sport.
Victories in: 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964. Jacques Anquetil was a pioneer of tactical racing and time-trial dominance. As the first to win the Tour five times, he set the benchmark for future generations of champions.
2. Bernard Hinault (5 wins)
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Victories in: 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985. Bernard Hinault, known as “The Badger,” was the last Frenchman to win the Tour and remains an icon of aggressive racing. His ability to dominate in every terrain made him one of the greatest champions of all time.
1. Eddy Merckx (5 wins)
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Victories in: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974. Eddy Merckx, nicknamed “The Cannibal,” is widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time. His unparalleled dominance across all aspects of racing—mountains, sprints, and time trials—cemented his legacy as the ultimate Tour champion.
